November 2017

CEREBRAL PALSY Strategies to accurately predict development of neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm neonates are limited. This cohort study assessed the relationship between neonatal movement and development of cerebral palsy at 2 years’ age, and found an association between absent fidgeting movements and CP development. While further study is necessary, General Movement Assessment is useful in identifying infants who may go on to develop CP.

BPD Very few proven strategies exist to prevent BPD development in VLBW neonates . This randomized controlled trial assessed the usefulness of combined intratracheal budesonide and surfactant administration in VLBWs with severe RDS in preventing BPD or death. The study revealed that treatment significantly reduced incidence of BPD or death; further study is necessary to assess cognitive outcomes in infants receiving combined budesonide and surfactant therapy.